The singer is alleged to have become 'domineering and vengeful' when his offers of support to female artists were rejected (Photo: Getty Images)

Claire Schofield

Published:11:53 amFebruary 14, 2019

Singer Ryan Adams has been accused by numerous women of emotionally abusive behaviour, with claims he used his status in the music industry to manipulate young artists for sex.

The report, published by the New York Times, said Adams dangled career opportunities in front of women while also pursuing them sexually, including one fan who was only 15.

Abusive behaviour

The newspaper said it had corroborated accounts of Adams allegedly subjecting women to emotional and verbal abuse with family and friends, outlining a pattern of manipulative behaviour.

It is detailed how the performer took a special interest in young female artists, often showing support for them on stage and on social media, with his approval helping to jump-start their careers.

The singer is alleged to have become “domineering and vengeful” when his offers of support were rejected. The women involved are then said to have been subjected to emotional abuse and harassment in texts and on social media.

The report also outlines an instance when Adams communicated sexually with a fan who was just 15 years old, with the pair exchanging more than 3,000 text messages over a period of nine months in 2014.

Their initial correspondence about music later turned into graphic texting and video calls on Skype, during which Adams exposed himself.

Adams’ ex-wife Mandy Moore, who divorced him in 2016, also said he was psychologically abusive, telling the newspaper “music was a point of control for him”.

She described his conduct as “destructive, manic sort of back and forth behaviour” and said “his controlling behaviour essentially did block my ability to make new connections in the industry during a very pivotal and potentially lucrative time”.

‘Upsettingly inaccurate’

Adams has since responded to the report and described the claims as “upsettingly inaccurate”.

In a series of tweets, he wrote, “As someone who has always tried to spread joy through my music and my life, hearing that some people believe I caused them pain saddens me greatly.

“I am resolved to work to be the best man I can be. And I wish everyone compassion, understanding and healing.

I am not a perfect man and I have made many mistakes. To anyone I have ever hurt, however unintentionally, I apologize deeply and unreservedly.